BLOG: The Good, The Bad and The 2016 (A Benonian’s perspective)
Logan Green, sports journalist, writes:
2016.
Eish…
Heh heh heh (insert Jaco Zuma chuckle here)…
What a year!
Judging from the comments of friends on my social media platforms it is a year that most are happy to see the back of like that dodgy drunk cousin that always causes nonsense at family functions.
Hell, not even “The Greatest of All Time” Muhammad Ali could rumble in the jungle that has been 2016.
From Donald Trump becoming the leader of the “Free World” to the Springboks’ mighty fall from grace this year I think we all deserve to throw a few cold ones down our jugulars this festive season.
From a personal and professional standpoint it has been a whirlwind adventure of note for me, or, more like that tornado that ripped through Tembisa in July.
On more than one occasion I have thought of throwing in the towel, calling it a day, selling my minimal material possessions and becoming a bum on an isolated Transkei beach (just ask my editor).
At least I didn’t miss that particular tornado like Benoni’s Tyron Cameron did (mind the language):
But, as much as I can ramble on about how horrible 2016 has been, there have been numerous good times, too, that have made me strive to become a better person and a half-decent reporter.
So, what are some of the things that have happened in LG’s world that have actually made 2016 not too shabby, Nige?
1. Boom! Boom! Bavuma!
Well, it all started with a diminutive cricketer by the name of Temba Bavuma.
The gifted little lad, in 2016, proved to me that sport will always have a special spot in my soul.
Being there and watching him spring for joy after he scored his debut Test century for the Proteas (becoming the first black African to do so) in Jan against the Poms at Newlands was one of the highlights of my life, let alone year.
Fast-forward to September and there I was, sat in the stands at my beloved Benonian cricket ground Sahara Park Willowmoore watching him repeat the feat with an ODI century on debut versus Ireland.
It was simple sport magic and it happened in my hometown.
Nothing wrong.
Oh, and who can forget this piece of fielding magic against the Aussies which I wish I did see live:
2. LG – Digitally yours
Alright, I am not doing the marketing for the electronic company here.
2016 was a year where I really put my digital thinking cap on and spent countless hours putting together online blog pieces for your enjoyment.
Never would I have fathomed that I, LG, would have had the success that I experienced in terms of views and clicks on the majority of the blog posts which I produced throughout the year.
My blog, LG’s A to Z of Benoni, was a huge Facebook hit and thousands clicked on the link.
Another one that did pretty well was the blog, Things I learned in the Kingdom of the Zulu and at Comrades (by a guy who didn’t run the Comrades).
Who knew that a bit of Benonian pride would help me achieve a teensy-weensy bit of hometown fame?
Serious!
Just the other day I was at a local pub when some random chap hollered: “I love reading your blogs”.
It was a bit awkward, though, considering that I was in the loo having a whiz.
Anyway, just a thank you from my side to all my loyal “fans”.
3. Running like the wind
As I have written in previous blogs the year 2K16 has been a year where I uncovered a new found love for road running.
In 2016 I took my body to new heights and made awesome friends out on the road, too.
My new dream to one day run the Comrades Marathon is in full swing, but patience is a virtue.
If you are looking at getting fit, trying a new sport and meeting new people then running is perfect.
Also, I don’t think there is a better way to see and appreciate Benoni than to run her streets.
4. “Change is scary, but not as scary as staying the same forever”
They say that “a new broom sweeps clean”, and it does.
In 2016 we modernised the look of everybody’s favourite community newspaper and we’re extremely proud of the new appearance.
We’ve had some mostly positive feedback about the sexy new BCT and we are striving to improve it even more in 2017.
Another change is happening at our BCT office at the Northmead Square (which is still receiving some enhancements as I type this.)
I tell you what, there is nothing more frustrating than trying to write a deadline story with a grinder blaring in the background or some construction worker dudes constantly shouting at each other.
And, don’t even get me started on the dust…
Anyway, now that my little rant is over (sorry bosses) let me say that nothing will stop us from getting the BCT to your post box every week.
Admittedly, the revamped Northmead Square does look pretty good, too.
Oh, and McGinty’s is back and open for business (woohoo!).
5. Benonians are still the bomb!
I have to end my last blog of the year with this.
As Charlize Theron famously said: “Benoni rocks”.
It really does.
When we rally together we do it properly!
There is a strong community spirit here and we really need to keep that good spirit going in order to stop wrongdoings in our Benoni.
I just wish that we could stop klapping each other at local watering holes.
Have a good one, Benoni.
Bring on 2017!
With love, LG.
* Please note that this is an opinion piece and that the views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Benoni City Times or Caxton Newspapers.
Check out some other blogs from this writer:
Things I learned in the Fair Cape
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